Liverpool could make stunning move for Premier League manager, with incoming sporting director 'a big, big fan'

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) shares a moment with Brighton's Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi (R) ahead of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Liverpool could have their sights set on replacing Jurgen Klopp with a manager currently in the Premier League.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that Richard Hughes, Bournemouth's technical director, is in the frame to become the new sporting director at Liverpool, having previously announced that he would be stepping down from his current role at the end of the season. 

And while Xabi Alonso remains the standout candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp, Hughes could have his eyes on a manager in the Premier League if he is to be appointed at Anfield. 

Liverpool target Head coach Xabi Alonso of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on ahead of the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at RheinEnergieStadion on March 3, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso is the preferred Liverpool target (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Hughes is a huge admirer of Roberto De Zerbi and previously wanted him to become the manager at Bournemouth. 

While that never materialised, with the likes of Scott Parker, Gary O'Neil and Andoni Iraola taking over at the Vitality Stadium, Hughes could finally get his wish at Liverpool

“Liverpool will be getting a sporting director, which is likely to be Richard Hughes from Bournemouth, and he’s a fan of Roberto De Zerbi," Di Marzio told wettfreunde.net. "A big, big fan. He likes him and wanted De Zerbi at Bournemouth.

Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi - targeted by Liverpool

De Zerbi has impressed in his 18 months at Brighton (Image credit: Getty Images)

“De Zerbi is on Liverpool’s list. Nothing has been arranged or confirmed because De Zerbi doesn’t think about money or the name of the club. He thinks about the possibility to work and to have the players he likes for his style of play.” 

Liverpool, therefore, will have to make certain promises to convince the Italian to become the new boss at Anfield, otherwise they risk missing out on his services. 

“Even if Liverpool wants him, if they aren’t ready to give Roberto the players he wants for his style of play with the ball, he will say no.”

More Liverpool stories 

A report has claimed that Mohamed Salah has signed a deal with a Saudi Pro League club ahead of the summer.

Liverpool have reportedly opened talks with Xabi Alonso as they seek a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

Why do Liverpool fans boo the national anthem? Sean Cole has taken a look.

Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.